Flushing valve



Aug. 11. 1925. 1,549,666

A. s. HOFFMAN FLUSHING VALVE Filed Oct. 1, 1923 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug.

flushing 5 operation.

pUNITED .STATES, PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT s, HOFFMAN, or onroaeo, ILLINOIS.-

FLUSHING" VALVE. n

Application filed. 0mm 1, 1923. Serial 1N0. 665,963.

To all whom it mag concern Be it known that I, ALBERT S. HOFFMAN,

acitizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county ofCook and State of; Illinois, have invented anew and useful Improvementin Flushing Valves, of which the following is a specification. 1

My invention relates to a flushing valve l throughout the severalviews," i As shown in Fig. 1 the flushing valve conmovingthe'floatmechanism and main valve of the device to ,open positionto begin the Myconstruction 1 is characterized byfthe use of relatively few parts andby the omission of diaphragms and all close tits as a result 'of whichthe device is reliablefin operation and requires lit- ,tle attentionafter it isinstalled, The float mechanism employed is novel in that [itis provided with means for permitting the waterto gradually enterthe'float during :a

flushing operation, through relatively large passageways until thefloating eii'ect is neutralized, at whlch time the qfloat and at tachedvalve constituting a unitary, structure, descend under the action ofgravity tomove the valve to its sea-t, thus terminating the flushingoperation. The rate of flow oi": water into the'float is'determined by apassageway of reduced cross section communicating with the; interior; ofthe float, wvhich passagewayof reduced cross section is however sodisposed that water does not the flow ot water' through these-at. casing10 carries an upwardly extending flange-l6 around the outer edge of theseatv flow through itatany time, said passage-v way being for a r only,to permlt the air in ftliefioat to flow therefrom when water is flowinginto the float and to permit air to flow into the float when the floatis being drained, the ,rateoiiflow of the air into and from the floatbein determined by the cross u I section of the said air passageway. I

' A further teaturelof improvement of [construction consists of theassembly of all ot the parts oi the valve operatingandj controllingmechanism in-'such a manner that by.

removing the cove'rlof the casing, all of the tionwill best appear inconnection with the drawings illustrating a preferred embodi inentthereof, in which- Fig. 1 shows the complete valve mechanism in vert calcentral sectional view, and Fig. 2 1s flwSBCt1OI1E1l""l6W Of the partsshown in Fig. 1 taken along the line 22. Similar numerals refer tosimllar parts sists of a casing 10 of circular cross section fromthetcasing to effect t-hefiushing operation. It will'he noted that the"supply con- -nection 11,is horizontally disposed and the ,outletconnection 12 is vertically disposed to facilitate connectingtheflushing valve in any ordinary flushing 'systein, but it will beunderstood that I do not limitlmyself to this particular arrangement anddisposition l otthe inlet and outletwater connections. 'At the upper endof the outlet connection 12 an integral flange 13 extends horizontallyand partly across the upper end of the outlet connection from the bodyportion of the casing 10, which flange is providedwith a central.aperture 14 of substantially the same diameter as the inner diameter ofa' valve seat l5 supportedon, the 'flat iippei liori- "zonta'l surfaceof. the flange 13; The seat I 15 isin the form of a flat ring and may beof any suitable material to withstand the action of waterthat will yieldsufficiently under the action of thevalve to interrupt The 15 tomaintain said fseat in centered relaamn on its supporting flange 13.

' The casing 10 isextended a" short distance i above; the inletconnection 11 and is internally threaded'as indicated at 10 to receivethe external'threads formed on a cup shaped memberil7 constituting thelower portion of a the float compartment. The bottom wall of themember17 as indicated at 17 isinclined downwards somewhatt-owards theaxis of movable parts may be removed asa 'single assembly unit having nolooseparts that can the casing and'is provided I in its upper sursmallerthanthe outer diameter of the recess 17 so that the Washer will at alltimes rest in the recess and so that it cannot rest on the upper portionof the bottom 17 of the member 17 The washer 18 is provided with acentral opening somewhat larger than the diameter of a part of the floatmecha nism passing therethrough for a purpose to be described, and thewasher 18 has substantially the same inclination downwardly towards theaxis of the casing 10 as above described for the bottom 17 of the member17. The outer wall of the member 17 has formed therein two oppositeapertures 19, 19, of sufficient size to permit water to flow freelytherethrough, and with the exception of these apertures, the member 17and washer 18 together constitute an imperforate enclosure for the lowerportion of the float compartment, the only outlet being through theopening at the central portion of the washer 18. The bottom wall 17 a ofthe member 17 is provided with an opening 17 slightly larger than thediameter of the valve to be described and this opening is extendeddownwardly a sufficient distance to form a receptacle for the valve ofthe device, under the washer 18, when the valve is in its uppermostposition during the flushing operation, as will be described. From thelower edge of the inner portion of the bottom 17, four arms 20 extenddownwardly, the relation of these arms being more clearly shown in Fi 2.and these arms at their lower ends carry a ring 21 tightly engaging theouter edge of the valve seat 15 when the member 17 is screwed downtightly in the threads and thus the valve seat is positively held inplace against the action of the valve during its operation.

The flow of water through the valve seat 15 is controlled by a valvemember or disc 22 having an annular bead 22 of rounded conformationextending downwardly from its outer edge to engage the upper surface ofthe valve seat 15.. From the inner portion of the bead 22 the valve discis tapered downwardly as indicated at 22 towards the axis of the device,this tapered portion being of generally conical conformation andextending with the valve in its closed position, to substantially thelower plane of the valve seat 15. From the lower end of the taperedportion the valvestructure is continued downwardly in the form of a stem23 disposed axially in the outlet connection 12. The lower end of thestem 23 is bored axially as indicated at 23* and of a diameter to permitair to freely flow through said bore, and the upper portion of the stemis similarly bored as indicated at 23 to receive the lower end of an airtube 2% which is preferably a pressed fit in said bore 23". The bores 23and 23 are con nected by an intermediate bore 23 of substantially theinternal diameter of the tube 24: and thus a continuous air passage isprovided from the lower end of the stem 23 to the upper end of the tube24. Immediately below the valve disc 22 four holes 25 are formed whichextend inwardly from the inclined surface 22 into a bore 26 formed in anextension 27 projecting upwardly from the valve disc 22, said bore 26being of sufficient diameter to allow ample clearance around the tube 21for the flow of water through said bore 26 to and through the holes 25.The holes are inclined downwardly and outwardly to drain the bore whenthe valve is in its seated position and said holes are preferablyequally spaced.

The opening 17 is preferably hexagonal or of other flat sided shape forfacilitating tightly screwing the member 17 into the threads 10 by meansof a correspondingly shaped tool.

The extension 27 is externally threaded to engage corresponding threadsformed on a downwardly projecting sleeve 28 extending centrally from thebottom wall 29 of the float 30, the bottom wall being inclineddownwardly towards the axis of the device to facilitate draining waterfrom the float during the closed condition of the valve. The externaldiameter of the extension 28 is slightly smaller than the openingthrough the washer 18 to prevent friction and binding of the parts. Thefloat 30 consists of an inverted cup shape member having integral topand side walls, the side wall being of substantially circular crosssection and threaded at its lower end to tightly engage correspondingthreads formed on the outer edge of the bottom wall 29 as a result ofwhich the member 30 and the bottom wall 29 together form a float whichis wholly enclosed with the exception of the central bottom bore 26 andthe holes leading therefrom. The tube 24 extends upwardly in the floatand centrall' thereof and determinates at apoint su iciently below thetop wall of the float so that its upper end is always above the highestlevel that the water may reach in the float during its oporation. Theupper end of the tube 24 is preferably flattened as indicated at 245 toprovide apassageway of reduced cross section that will permit the air toenter and leave the float at the desired rate.

To facilitate handling the float in placing it in the casing andremoving it there from, the upper wall of the float is centrallyindented as shown at and the indentation contains a lug 30" that may bereadily engaged to lift the float assembly from the casing.

The upper edge of the member 17 is extended above the upper edge of thecasing 10 and is threaded on its outer surface to be engaged bycorresponding internal threads on the lower portion of a cap 31 employedto enclose the float mechanism, and a gasket 32 is disposed between thelower edge of the awe; see

appear that the valve member 22 andthe float 30 are rigidly connected"With each other by 'screwingthe' partsof the mechcontaining'theoperating mechanism.

anism together in the manner described and further that the washer18which loosely rests in the recessl'T 'and which is put in 2 place on thefloat mechanismduring; its assembly, may readily be removed with thefloat mechanism, and 'tha tsince" the outer diameter of the valve member22 isslightly less than the diameter of the 'opening' 17 when the oa-p181 is removed, all ofthe float and valve mechanism, mayreadil y belifted from thecasing as ;a-' unitary structure, with:

out disturbingfiany off the remaining parts. This facilitates t-he'ready assembly of- "the deviceand its I ready" inspection in the event 1it -isnnecessary to" clean or repair it at any time;

a lateral extension 1'2 which is externally threaded to lie engagedcorresponding internalflthreads on the end ot a sleeve 4:2 The extension12? is counter-bored as indicated to contain-a askeefes held 'in placeby a sleeve 34 which inturn' iscounterboredto receive one end ofaspring- 35; The sleeve 34 andtheside wall of the connection 12' are"provided with a bore oflthe same diameter as the internal diameterofthe'gasket 33', to

I permitjthepassage-therethrougli ofanoperat-ingrods 36'which ispreferably of 011'- culartcrossf section and provided at its outer endwith a-diso 36 engaged on one side by I the outer end of the spring andon" the outer side by thewspheric'a l end' 37?;025 an operating member3?. The spherical portion 37' of the-operating; member is sub stantiallycircular and drsc shaped" and i is held in p'laceby theinwardlyprojecting flange-4:2of' the sleeve 42 The operating member 3T carriesanoutwardly projecting handle 38' by"whichtheoperating member 'may betilted inany desired 1 direction against the actionof the spring 35, so1 that for any i such tilting motion the rod 36 Will be pushed inwardlyinto the connection- 12. Theinner find 'Of t'lle rod 36 extendssubstantia'll y to the axis of the outlet c'onnec-' tion 12 and isobliquely 'cut as: indicated at 36" to provide a flatinclined'wedge-like op-c crating surface for engaging the lower end ofthe stem 23 "when the rod '36: is moved into the connection" 121byaotuatiqn of the c ,handleesr I The lower end-of the-stem 23 1s roundedas indicated adjacent 1 the: inclined operating surface 36 and-isseparated: therefrom a suflicient distance to permit-wear of 1 the valveseat 15 without" bringing the stem The outlet connection- 12 is providedwith f from its operative position.

Thefstem 23 is providedwitlr twofdownwardly extending lugs 39,fronropposit'e sides ot the saidstein so that one of saidlugsflliesuponeaclr side of the end of the rod36, which lugs areseparated from said rod asuthc1ent-amounttto provide a work-- ingclearance between these parts, but one ofsaid lugs 39 being shown in thedrawings on account of the stem 23 being shown in vertical sectionalview. The purpose at the lugs 39 is to preventturning' of the valve Iand float mechanism in the casing 10, thus niaintainingathe desiredrelation between the inchned surface 36" andthe cylindrical operatingsurface on thelower -end* of the stem 2-3; Therelation between said'stem and rod also prevents therod fronrturning away It will be notedthat the stem- 23' carries i i a lug 23 in the bore of the flange 1 3 onthesnleof the stemop'posite to the rod and that the edge oftheqlug*23 is$613- arated f-rom thebore in the flange 13 'by a slightclearance: Itwill be noted that the external diameter ofthe float 30- is slightlysmaller" than the-internal diameter of the cap; 31 As a result 0e thisconstruction and relation o't'fthefpart-s, whenthe'handle 38 isoperatedto-move the-rod 36in'to engagement with thestem 23; t-liefirst actionthat occur-sis tomove the-lower end of the stem t'o-tlie'right, thusti-lting the valve and float lllQCllklTllSlll'flllCl liitingon'e edge ofthe valve member 2-2 sufliciently to break the sealeffected by' thevalve member. l 'hi's action continuesuntil the lug 23? engages the borein the flange 1 3 4 and the upper surface of the float on the oppositeside engages the-inside of the cap iil at which time thedownwardpress'ure-= on'the valve. member 22 is materiallyreduced, and continuedmotion a of the handle=38 slides the inclined surface 36 undert he-lowerend of the ste1n23and lift s s'aid st'em, thevalvemember 22 andthe'fioat -30 bodilya'i vay from thev al ve seat 15, which fiCtlOllcontinues untilthe upper portion of Y the valve member 22 enters theopening 17.

This removes the valve" member 1 from the path of the waterrushmg'through the casthe float and parts carriedi thereby;

It will beiobserved' that during the closed icondition of the valvethe-discharge ends of '31 to pre'vent furtheriup'ward movement of theholes are not in communication with the inlet connection 11 and thattherefore any water that may have been in the float drains therefromthrough the bore 26 and the holes 25, this draining action beingpermitted by flow of air into the float through the tube 24. At the sametime, however, the apertures 19, 19 permit water from the inletconnection 11 to enter the lower part of the float receptacle around theoutside of the float until a condition of equilibrium is establishedbetween the air compressed in the upper part of the float chamber andthe pressure exerted on the water. The float therefore at this time, isin a condition for securing a maximum of floating" eifect which isexerted in the manner above described as soon as the valve member israised Suficiently to enter the lower end of the opening 17.

lVhen the float is in its uppermost position as above described, due tothe operation of the valve, the holes are in communication at theirouter ends with water under pressure flowing to and through the valveseat 15. As a result, water gradually enters the float through the holes25 and the clearance 26, at a rate determined by the cross section ofthe upper end of the air tube 24. As the air escapes from the floatthrough the tube 24-, the level of the water rises in the float untilthe buoyant effect of the float is reduced to a point such that it is nolonger able to support the valve mechanism in its upper position and thevalve member 2 then begins to descend from the opening 17. This actioncontinues until the upper surface of the valve member is below theopening 17, at which time the water moving rapidly through the valveseat 15 acts upon the upper surface of the valve member to move itpositively against the valve seat 15 thus ending the flushing operation.The parts are at that time again in the position indicated in Fig. 1,for which position as above described, the water is free to flow fromthe float into the outlet connection 12, thus placing the valvemechanism in condition for another operation. If for any reason it isdesirable to secure a longer flushing interval than would result fromthe automatic operation above described, the handle 38 may be againactuated to positively hold the valve from its seat and flushing willcontinue as long as the valve is so held. after which upon releasing thehandle the valve will return to its closed position in the manner abovedescribed.

It will be understood that the operation of the flushing mechanism inthe manner described secures automatically a certain interval offlushing even though the operating handle be but momentarily actuated,this interval of flushing being determined by the cross section of theair tube 24. It will also be observed that the washer 1S protects theupper surface of the valve member 22 from rush of water during the opencondition of the valve and thus permits the automatic timing of theflushing operation above described.

lVhile 1 have shown my invention in the particular embodiment abovedescribed, it will be understood that I do not limit myself to thisexact construction but that I may employ equivalents known to he art atthe time of the filing of this application without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve Seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt connnunication betweensaid connections, a float in said casing connected with said valvemember, areceptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the act-ion of water flow through said casing, anddevices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, said devicescomprising a valve stem extending from said valve member, a rod having abeveled end for moving said stem, an operating member for moving saidrod, said stem and said rod having line Contact engaging surfaces, andlugs extending from said stem spanning said rod for retaining saidengaging surfaces in line contact relation.

2. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections, a float in said casing connected with said valvemember, and devices for moving said valve member from its seat, saiddevices comprising a valve stem extending from said valve member, a rodhaving a beveled end for moving said stem, an operating member formoving Said rod, said stem and said rod having line contact engagingsurfaces, and lugs extending from said stem spanning said rod forretaining said engaging surfaces in line contact relation.

3. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing, anddevices for moving nuance said'valve member into said receptacle, saidreceptacle comprising a partition extending across said casing andhaving an opening therethrougli forming the side Wall of saidreceptacle,and a-disc around said valve stem resting on said partitionforming the top of saidkreceptacle. I

a casin havin Water sun 1 I and outlet b &

connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, (a movable valvemember for engaging saidseat to interrupt communication betweensaidconnections andhaving a stem of smaller dian'ieter extending upwardlytherefrom, a float in saidcasing connected with said valve stem, areceptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member and protectingit from the action ot Water ifiow through said casing, and devices formoving said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across said casing and having ,anopening t-hei'eth-ro-ugh tor-ming the side Wall of said receptacle, anda disc aiound said valve stem resting on said partition forining the topof said receptacle, said partition having a recesstherein looselycontaining said disc. 5. In a flushing valve, the combinat on or a casng havingivater supply and outlet connections, a valve seat carried bysaid casing, a movabzlevalve member torengag iing said seat; tointerrupt communication between said connections and havin a stem ofsmaller diameter extending upwardly therefrom, a float in said casingconnected with said valve stem, a receptacle in said casing forreceivingsaid valve member and protecting it from the action of Water-flow I through saidjcasing, and devices for moving saidvalve memberinto said receptacle, said receptacle comprising a partition extending-across said casing and having an opening therethro igh forming the side'wall oisaid receptacle, and a disc around said valve stem resting onsaid partition forming the top of said receptacle, said partition beingscrewed into said casing and the said opening through saidpartition-being flat sided to" facilitate turning said partition in saidcasing. s 7

6. In a flushing valve, the combination of 'a casing having Water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing,-a movablevalve member tor engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, afloat in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for vreceiving said valve member andprotecting"itiztrom the action of Water flow through said casing, anddevices for moving said :valve member into said receptacle,- saidreceptacle comprising a partition extending across, said casing andhaving an opening [casin therethrough forming the side avall 'ots'aidreceptacle,and azdisc around said valve stem resting on said partitiontorm'ing the top of said receptacle, said partition being screwed intosaid casing and the said opening through said partition being flat sidedI c to facilitate "turning said partition in said 4. In a flushingvalve, the combination of casing, said partition having a recess thereinof a casing having Water supply and-out-- I let connections, a valveseat carried by said a movable valve vmember for engags'aid seat 1 tointerrupt communication between said connections and having stem ofsmaller diameter extending upwardly e therefrom, :a tioat in said casingconnected ith'said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receivingsaid-valve member and protecting it from the action of Water flowthrough said casing, (and devices for movingsaid valve member into saidreceptacle, said receptacle comprising a partition extending across saidcasing andhav-ing an 7 opening therethrough forming the side Wall ot'sa-id receptacle, anda disc around said valve stem resting onsaidpartition form ingthe top of said receptacle, said part1 tionbeing-cirp-shzrpedto form a float compartment and-screwed into said casingand the said opening through said partition beingiflat sided tofacilitate turningsaid partition 'in -said "casing. Q 8. in a flushingvalve, the of a casing having Water supply and outlet connections, :avalve'sea-t carried by said casing, a movable valve member forengagingsa-id seat to interrupt communication between said connectionsand having a stem of smaller diameter extending upwardly therefrom, afloat in said casing connected combination with said valve stem, areceptacle in said casing forreceiv-ing said valve member and protectingit from the action of Waterfioiv through sa d casing, :and {devices formov-- iiig said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across said casing and having anopening tlieretlirough forming the side Wall of said receptacle, and adisc around said valve stem resting on said partition forming the top ofsaid receptacle, said partitiori being cup-shaped to term a floatcompartment and screwed into said casing and the said opening throughsaid partition betla-t sided to facilitate turning said par-v tition insaid casing, said partitionhaving a second opening therethroughpermitting ivatei to enter said float compartment.

'9. Ina, flushing valve, the combination of a casing having Water supplyand outletconnections, a valve seat carrie'd-by-said casing, a movablevalve member for engag ing said seat to interrupt communication betveensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing, anddevices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, saidreceptacle comprising a partition extending across said casing andhaving an opening therethrough forming the side wall of said receptacle,and a disc around said valve stem resting on said partition forming thetop of said receptacle, said partitioii and said disc forming the bottomwall of a float compartment, and said partition having a second openingtherethrough permitting water to enter said float compartment.

10. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing andhaving a clearance opening through its top wall for said stem anddevices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, said floatand valve member having a water passageway therethrough extending fromwithin said float to the opposite side of said valve member within itsseat enga ing portion.

11. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing andhaving a clearance opening through its top wall for said stem, devicesfor moving said valve member into said receptacle, and an air passagewayextending from the upper portion of the interior of said float to belowsaid valve member.

12. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, avalve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andpro= tecting it from the action of water flow through said casing,devices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, saidreceptacle comprising a partition extending across said casing andhaving an opening thercthrough forming the side wall of said receptacle,and a disc around said valve stem resting on said partition forming thetop of said receptacle, said partition being cup-shaped to form a floatcompartment and screwed into said casing and the said opening throughsaid partition being flat sided to facilitate turning said partition insaid casing, and a cover for said casing forming the upper portion ofsaid float compartment.

13. In a flushing valve, the combination ofceptacle comprising apartition extending across said casing and having an openingtherethrough forming the side wall of said receptacle, and a disc aroundsaid valve stem resting on said partition forming the top of saidreceptacle, said partition being cupshaped to form a float compartmentand screwed into said casing and the said opening through said partitionbeing flat sided to facilitate turning said partition in said casing,and a cover for said casing forming the upper portion of said floatcompartment, said partition having a second opening therethroughpermitting water to enter said float compartment.

14. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing, devicesfor moving said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across said casing and having anopening therethrough forming the side wall of said receptacle, and adisc around said valve stem resting on said partition forming the top ofsaid receptacle, said partition and said disc forming the bottom wall ofa float compartment, and said partition having a second openingtheregamete through permitting water to enter said, float compartment,and a co-ver for said casing forming the (upper portion of said floatcom partment.

15. In aflushin-g valve, the combination of a casing havingwat'er supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having astem oi smaller diameter extending upwardlytherefrom,a floati-nsaid casing connected with said valve stem,areceptacle in said casing forreceiv'ingsaid valve member and protectingit from the actionof water flow through said casing, and-'(:levices formoving said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across said casing 'and having anopening therethrough forming the side wall of said receptacle, and adisc around said valvestem resting ons'aid partition forming the top ofsaid receptacle,sa1dfloat and valve member havinga water passagewaytherethrough eX- tending from within said float to the oppo-s te side ofsaid valve member within ts seatengag'ing portion.- y

16. In a flushing valve,'the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, avalve sea-t carried by said ca ing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication be tweensaidconnections and having a stem of smallerdiameter extending upwardlythere from, a float in saidcaslng connected with said valve stem,a-receptacle' in said casing for. receiving said valve member andprotecting it itromthe actionfof water flow through said casing, devicesfor. moving said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across "said casing and having anopening therethrough forming the'side wall ofsaid receptacle, and a discaround 'sa-idvalve steinrestin-g on said partition forming the top ofsaid re-" ceptacle, said float and valve'member having a waterpassageway therethrouglr extending from [within said float to-theopposite side 01 said valve member within its'seat engaging portion, andan air passageway extend ing from the up )erportion of the interior ofsaid float to loelow said valve member.

17,111 a flushing valve, the combination of a casinghaving watersupp'lyand outlet. connections, a valve seatcarried by said casing, amovable valve member for engagingsaid seat to interrupt communicationbetween, said connections and having a stem o-tsmaller diameterextending upwardly therefrom, i av float in saidfcasing connected withsaid valve stem, a receptacle in said casing for receiv ing said valvemember and protecting it ,tromthe actionof water flow through saidcasing, andv devices formo-vlngsaid valve 7 member into, saidreceptacle, said receptacle comprising a partition extending across saidcasing and having an opening therethrough forming the side wall or saidreceptacle, and adisc-arou-ndsaid valve stem resting on-said partitionforming the top of said receptacle, said partition -being screwed intosaid casingand the said openingthrough said partition being flatsided-to facilitate turning said' partition in said casing, saidpartition from, a float in said casing connected with v said valve stem,a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing, devicesfor moving said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across said casing and having anopening therethrough forming the sidewall of saidreceptacle, and a discaround said valve stem resting on said partition forming the top of saidreceptacle, said partition beingscrewedinto said casing and the saidopenin-gthroug h said partition being, flat sided to facilitate turningsaid partition in said casing, said partition havinga recess thereinloosely containing said disk, said float and valve member having a waterpassageway therethrough extending from within said float to theopposite'side of said valve member within itsseat engaging portion, and(111311 passageway extending from the upper portion of the interior ofsaid float to below said valvemember.

1.9.111 a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having watersupplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said cas-- 1ng,'amovable valve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communicationbe tween said connections and having a stem of smaller. diameterextending upwardly therefrom,'a float in said casing connected with saidvalve stem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve memberand protect- 111g it from the action ofwa-ter flow through said casing,and devices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, saidreceptacle comprisinga partition extendmg across said casing and havingan.

opening therethrough forming the side wallof'said receptacle, and a discaround said valve stem resting on said partition forming thegtop of saidreceptacle, said partition fbeing cup shaped to form a float compartmentand screwed into said casing and the said opening through said partitionbeing flat sided to facilitate turning said partition in said casing,said partition having a second opening therethrough permitting water toenter said float compartment, said float and valve member having a waterpassageway therethrough extending from within said float to the oppositeside of said valve member within its seat engaging portion.

20. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said cas ing, a movablealve member for engaging said seat to interrupt COlllll'llUllCtlblOllbetween said connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow through said casing, devicesfor moving said valve member into said receptacle, said receptaclecomprising a partition extending across said casing and having anopening therethrough forming the side wall of said receptacle, and adisc around said valve stem resting on said partition fori'ning the topof said receptacle, said partition being cupshaped to form a floatcompartment and screwed into said casing and the said opening throughsaid partition being flat sided to facilitate turning said partition insaid casing, said partition having a second opening therethroughpermitting water to enter said float compartment, said float and valvemember having a water passageway therethrough extending "from withinsaid float to the opposite side of said *alve member within its seatengaging portion, and an air passageway extending from the upper portionof the interior of said float to below said valve incn'iber.

21. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid connections and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprotecting it from the action of water flow th ough said casing, anddevices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, saidreceptacle comprising a partition extending across said casing andhaving an opening theietlirough Forming the side wall of saidreceptacle, and a disc around said valve stem resting on said partitionforming the top of said receptacle, said partition and said disc formingthe bottom wall of a float compartment, and said partition having asecond opening thercthrough permitting water to enter said floatcompartment, said float and valve member having a water passagewaytherethrough extending from within said float to the opposite side ofsaid valve member within its seat engagin portion.

In a flushing valve, t 1e combination of a casing having water supplyand outlet connections, a valve seat carried by said casing, a movablevalve member for engaging said seat to interrupt communication betweensaid conneetions and having a stem of smaller diameter extendingupwardly therefrom, a float in said casing connected with said valvestem, a receptacle in said casing for receiving said valve member andprot'ecting it from the action of water flow through said casing,devices for moving said valve member into said receptacle, saidreceptacle comprising a partition extending across said casing andhaving an opening therethrough forming the side wall of said receptacle,and a disc around said valve stem resting on said partition forming thetop of said receptacle, said artition and said disc forming the ottoniwall of a float compartment, and said partition having a second openingtherethrough permitting water to enter said float compartment, saidfloat and valve member having a water passageway therethrough extendingfrom within said float to the opposite side of said valve member withinits seat engaging portion, and an air passageway extending from theupper portion of the interior of said float to below said valve member.

23. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water inletand outlet connections, a valve seat in said casing between saidconnections comprising a ring of yielding material, a valve disc forengaging said seat, a stem extending from said valve disc looselythrough said seat, a partition crossing said casing above said valvedisc and provided with a central aperture, a central extensionprojecting upwardly from said valve disc loosely through said partitionaperture, a float secured to the upper end of said extension and looselycontained in said casing, and devices for moving said valve discupwardly from said valve seat, said devices comprising a rodreciprocable through the side wall of said outlet connection and havingan inclined face adjacent the lower end of said stem for raising thelatter, a spring tending to hold said rod in its outermost position, aflange rojecting outwardly from the outer end oi said rod, an operatingmember having a flanged spherically conformed end for engaging said rodflange, an operating handle projecting from said operating member, thelower end of said stem being conformed to engage said inclined face withline contact, and lugs extending from said stem for maintaining said rodand said stem in line contact engaging relatlon.

24. In a flushingvalve, the combination devices for moving said valvedisc upwardly from said valve seat, said partition having an openingtherein forcontaining said valve disc in its raised position.

25. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water inletand outlet connections, a valve seat in said casing between saidconnections comprising a ring of yielding material, a valve disc forengaging said seat, a stem extending from said valve disc looselythrough said seat, a partition crossing said casing above said valvedisc and provided with a central aperture, a central extension ofsmaller diameter projectingupwardly from said valve disc loosely;

through said partition aperture, afloat secured to the upper end of saidextension and loosely contained in said casing, devices for movingsaid'valve disc upwardly from said valve seat, said partition having anopening therein for containing said'valve disc in its raised position,said partition having a recess in its upper surface surrounding saidopening, and a washer loosely contained in said recess to close theupper end'of said opening and containing said partition aperture. I

26. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing having water inletand outlet connections, a valve seat in said casing between saidconnections comprising a ring of yielding material, a valve disc forengaging said seat, a stem extending from said valve disc looselythrough said seat, a partition crossing said casing above said valvedisc and provided with a central aperture, a central'extensionprojecting upwardly from said valve disc loosely through saidpartition aperture, a float secured to the upper end of said extensionand loosely contained in said casing, devices for moving said valvediscupwardly from said valve seat, said devices comprising a rodreciprocable through theside wall of said outlet connection and havingan inclined face adjacent the lower end of said stem for raising thelatter, a spring tending to hold said rod in its outermost position, aflange projecting outwardly from the outer end of said rod, an operatingmember having a flanged spherically conformed end for engaging said rodflange, and an operating handle proj ecting from said operating member,a flange projecting inwardly to support said valve seat, and a lug onthe side of said stem op- I posite said rod to engage said last namedflange to limitftilting movement imparted i to said stem by said rod.

. 27. In a flushing valve, the combination of a casing havlng waterinlet and outlet connections, a'valve seat in said casing between saidconnections comprising aringof yielding material, a valve disc forengaging said seat, a stem extending from'said valve disc-looselythrough said seat, a partition crossing said casing above said valvedisc and provided with a central aperture, a central extensionprojecting upwardly from said valve disc loosely through said partitionaperture, a float secured to the upper end of saidextension and looselycontained in said casing,,devices for moving said valve discupwardlyfrom said valve seat, said devices comprising a rod reciprocable throughthe side wall of said outlet connection and having an inclined faceadjacent the lower end of said stem for raising the latter, a springtending to hold said rod in its outermost position, a flangeprojectingoutwardly from the outer end of said rod, an operating member having aflanged spherically conformed end for engaging said rod flange, and anoperatinghandle projecting from said operating member, a flangeprojecting inwardly to support said valve seat, and a lug on the side ofsaid stem opposite said rod to engage said last named flange to limittilting movement imparted to said stem by said rod,'said float being aclearance fit in said casing to further limit said tilting movement.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribeh my name this 26th day ofSeptember, A. D. 1923.

' ALBERT S. HOFFMAN.

